Ful lling a promise to pay it forward

Friday, April 15, 2016
No amount too small or too large!
Scrap gold, sterling silver
60648499
Senior
BUYING COIN ESTATES
Mts Coins & Acquisitions
151 2nd Avenue, Gallipolis, OH •
Fine Jewelry
740 - 446 - 2842
Living
Fulfilling a promise to pay it forward
Local doctor, wife commit
to annual medical mission
in native Philippines
By Bud Hunt
[email protected]
GALLIPOLIS, Ohio
— What began as a trip
home to celebrate anniversaries 31 years ago
has turned into much
more for Dr. Mel Simon
and his wife, Lydia.
In 1985, the Simons
left Gallipolis to celebrate
their 25th wedding
anniversary and the 50th
wedding anniversary of
Lydia’s parents in their
native Philippines. As
Lydia recalls, “We spent
more time at the hospital
than we did celebrating
with family.”
In a city of 70,000
people, there was no hospital — only a clinic and
doctors. There were no
urologists. A classmate,
Dr. Arturo Rivera, asked
Mel to “scrub up” and
show local residents how
to perform some of the
procedures.
That trip, the Simons
first visit home since
leaving the Philippines in
1959, was the beginning
of an annual medical mission trip that has grown
and touched the lives of
thousands.
As a child, Mel recalled
a time during World War
II when a sibling contracted dysentery. Left
untreated, the disease
can be fatal, and in wartime conditions there
were no doctors available
to treat the youngster. As
the disease progressed,
Mel became the only family member to maintain
a vigil with his sister.
He was there when she
passed and at that time
Mel made a promise.
“I told God that if he
saw a way for me to
become a doctor, I would
always find a way to give
back to my community,”
he said. The Simons have
been giving back even as
their “community” has
expanded.
The Simons returned
in 1986 and have continued to do so every year
since, and by 1988 they
found a way to bring
more resources to their
native country.
In 1972, Mel became
one of the founders of
the Society of Philippine
Surgeons of America, an
organization of which he
was later president and
remains actively involved
with today. In September
2014, he represented
SPSA by presenting keys
to a new ambulance for
which the society had
spearheaded fundraising
to OSPA Hospital in the
Philippines.
Mel contacted his fellow surgeons to enlist
help for what was then
known as Medical Mission to the Philippines.
The medical contingent
grew from six couples
and six medical professionals in 1988 to today’s
contingent that’s made
up of 30 personnel, 10
doctors, and the rest consisting of other medical
personnel and support
team members.
One of those team
members is “Mission
Mama,” a well-earned
nickname Lydia has been
given for how she works
in support of the team’s
efforts over the years.
On their most recent trip to the Philippines, Mel and Lydia Simon were able to work with the local Catholic church and Rotary Club in
Mangaldan to donate clothing. As a condition of receiving the gifts, residents were required to attend the parish service.
The team has included
several local medical
professionals, including
nurses Claudia Lyon,
Pam Dovyak, Tanya
Cremeens, Remy Simon,
Janet North and Lisa
Cox.
During its seven- to
10-day stay, the team
will perform roughly 300
surgeries and procedures
such cleft palate, some
genetic deformities, thyroid, gall bladder, tumors,
eye surgery and dental
surgery among others.
Mel also spends a portion
of the trip providing medical education to local
doctors and residents.
Mel then turned to one
of his other passions,
Rotary International, to
bring additional resources to delivering health
care to his native country.
Mel had been president
of Gallipolis Rotary Club
and in 1998-99 was dis-
trict governor of Rotary
International District
6690. Subsequently, the
mission was renamed
“Operation We Care”
as Rotary Foundation
resources were identified
and added the effort.
By combining Rotary
Foundation resources,
the Simons have been
able to help fund and
build a 30-bed hospital in
Mangaldan, Pangasinan,
and furnish a 100-bed
surgical wing at Region
One Medical Center in
Dagupan, Pangasinan.
Rotary has also been an
important partner in
acquiring and furnishing
a mobile medical clinic
complete with an x-ray
machine.
Mel and Lydia, both
Rotarians, have become
ambassadors of the local
club and district to Rotarians in the Philippines.
Each year they visit local
Rotary clubs, exchange
banners (each Rotary
club has its own banner
with its name and club
number emblazoned on
it). As might be expected, Mel found a way for
those local clubs to help
in his mission trips as
well, doing such things as
helping with fundraising,
distributing supplies and
other resources.
Mel and Lydia partnered with a Canadian
mission trip this year
instead of organizing
their own and it proved
to be a reunion of
sorts. One of the Canadian members was on
a mission trip with the
Simons in 1992. That’s
not uncommon as Mel
recalled another time
when attending a concert this year he saw a
man across the crowd he
recognized, but couldn’t
quite place.
“I went up to him and
said, ‘I know you,’” Mel
said. As it turns out the
fellow was Mel Santos,
a fellow doctor who had
been on a mission trip
with the Simons in 2010.
This year’s trip was
unique and not necessarily pleasantly unique. Mel
contracted pneumonia
on this trip. He became
quite ill to the point
that Lydia said she was
“scared.”
Mel ended up in the
hospital, was treated and
after a brief stay was
released, but only after
a promise to his Filipino
doctor to take care of
himself. Mel explained
that he was the only
urologist on the trip and
procedures requiring his
skill could not be performed by other doctors.
He felt a need to be up
and working.
See PROMISE | 3
Holzer celebrates 75 years in DAR
By Dean Wright
[email protected]
GALLIPOLIS, Ohio —
Daughters of the American Revolution French
Colony Chapter members
recently celebrated Bobbi
Holzer’s 75 years of
membership in the organization.
Roberta “Bobbi”
Holzer, 94, of Gallipolis, according to many,
has served as a pillar
of the community and
was the wife of the late
Dr. Charles E. Holzer
Jr. Between the pair of
them, they had five children.
The Holzer family name has become a
household term when
connected with health
care in southeastern
Ohio. The Holzers
are known for being
founding members of a
medical care institution
now called the Holzer
Health System spread
across several counties
in southeastern Ohio and
also reaching into West
Virginia.
According to Ohio
DAR Chaplain Robin
Rose, certificates for 75
years of membership are
relatively unheard of in
the organization. Local
DAR ladies had to contact the national DAR
headquarters in Washington, D.C., to have a new
award drafted for Bobbi.
“They have 25-year
and 50-year certificates,”
said Rose. “We had to get
this one specially made
for Bobbi.”
Bobbi was born in
Point Pleasant, W.Va.,
and joined the Col.
Charles Lewis Point
Pleasant DAR Chapter
with her papers “going
through” on Dec. 4,
1940.
DAR members must
genealogically prove
themselves as having had
a relative who fought in
the American Revolutionary War. According to
French Colony Regent
Emily Dailey, Bobbi’s
ancestor was named
Joseph Woods.
According to Dailey,
the average income
in Gallia County in
the 1940s was around
$1,900. The average
house was $6,500. A
car was around $800
and minimum wage was
around 30 cents.
Dailey lauded Bobbi
for spending her time in
the DAR while supporting her family in what
it had done “bringing
health care and bringing the quality of life
we have here (southeast
Ohio) today. We probably
wouldn’t be here without
it.”
“You’re a kind and
faithful person,” Dailey
said. “You’re a very loving mother, a devoted
wife and you are definitely a pillar in our community. You are somebody
that should be followed
and recognized for everything that you’ve done.
We’ve been very blessed
to have you here with our
DAR chapter and we’re
very honored to have you
here for 75 years.”
Dean Wright | Daily Tribune
Daughters of the American Revolution French Colony Chapter stand and discuss Gallia County
dealings. From left to right, Roberta Roush, DAR State Chaplain Robin Rose, Bobbi Holzer and French
Colony Regent Emily Dailey discuss the 75th year of Holzer’s membership in the DAR.
According to past
regent and current DAR
member Roberta Roush,
“Now, Bobbi, I have
your certificate from the
national organization
and I have to tell you
this. They didn’t know
what to put on it because
nobody else has accom-
plished this. So this is an
original certificate.”
According to the DAR’s
website, the national
society has close to 125
years of tradition with
more than 930,000 members nationwide since the
organization’s founding.
The group was founded
in 1890. The organization’s ladies make it
their mission to promote
American history, education and patriotism.
Genealogy is one the
group’s chief interest.
Dean Wright can be reached at
(740) 446-2342, Ext. 2103.
Senior Living
2 April 15, 2016
Ohio Valley Publishing
Making ‘March for Meals’
Members of the Meigs High School drama team performed several selections during the Meigs
County Retired Teachers Association’s recent luncheon.
‘Grease’ cast entertains
Meigs retired teachers
Mindy Kearns/Register
Missy Wolfe is one of two route drivers who deliver “Meals on Wheels” five days a week to home-bound
senior citizens, under the direction of the Mason County Action Group Inc. The goal of the MCAG is to
keep seniors living independently and healthier at home.
Events to help fund local ‘Meals on Wheels’
By Mindy Kearns
For Ohio Valley Publishing
POINT PLEASANT,
W.Va. — Remaining in
their own homes for
as long as possible is
a major goal for most
senior citizens.
The Mason County
Action Group Inc. assists
seniors in this endeavor
by addressing three of
the biggest threats of
aging people: isolation,
hunger and loss of independence, according
to Renae Riffle, MCAG
executive director.
Seniors can take
advantage of the MCAG’s
meals program in one of
two ways — by traveling to one of two senior
centers or through home
delivery, commonly
known as “Meals on
Wheels.” The centers
include the Gene Salem
Senior Center, located
at 101 Second St., Point
Pleasant, and the Mason
Senior Center on Second
Street in Mason.
Riffle said approximately 14,000 meals
were served to more
than 300 seniors that
attended the centers in
2015. Meals are served
weekdays at 11:30 a.m.
By attending the centers,
seniors not only receive
a nutritious meal, but
socialization, exercise
and information assistance, as well.
For those seniors who
are home-bound, meals
are delivered. Delivering a hot meal five days
a week also provides a
wellness check imperative to the health and
safety of seniors, Riffle
said. Last year, about
20,000 meals were
delivered to 162 seniors
throughout the county
by two route drivers.
Because of the growing
need of these programs,
Riffle said the cost of the
meals far outweighs the
funding received. Seniors
are asked to make a suggested donation of $2.50
per meal, but no one is
ever denied a meal due
to inability to pay.
To help offset the
costs of providing meals,
MCAG participated in
the 14th annual “March
for Meals,” a month-long,
nationwide celebration
of Meals on Wheels. As
part of the celebration,
MCAG hosted a March
for Meals Bingo event on
March 4.
Riffle said prizes for
the games were donated
by local businesses,
which have been “very
supportive.” Hotel stays,
photography sessions,
name brand purses
and baskets, dinners at
nearby restaurants and
jewelry were just a few of
the prizes awarded.
“The March for Meals
Bingo and other fundraising efforts by the
Mason County Action
Group throughout the
year makes an effort
to fill the funding gap
between the seniors
served and those in need
that is widening due to
increased demand with a
rapidly aging population,
combined with declining public and private
resources, and rising
food, transportation and
operational costs,” Riffle
said. “MCAG is reaching
out to our communities
to build the support
that will enable them to
deliver nutritious meals,
friendly visits, and safety
checks to Mason County
seniors all year long.”
Last year’s bingo event
had a full house with
no seats available. This
year, the support was
even greater, according
to Riffle, who added the
staff volunteers all of the
time needed for the fundraisers.
Riffle stated some
businesses and organizations, such as Ohio Valley Bank and the Point
Pleasant Moose Lodge
No. 731, make annual
contributions to the
program. She said some
personal donations come
in as well, and are always
welcomed.
Riffle said MCAG
serves meals that most
people would serve in
their own homes, of good
quality and tasty, but as
economically as possible.
Chicken and dumplings,
meat loaf, baked pork
chops, and sweet and
sour chicken are just a
few of the items on the
February menu.
She stated the two
kitchen employees are
responsible for all the
meals provided by the
program daily. They are
constantly striving to
improve quality, as well
as cost. Using a food
service normally saves
money by ordering in
bulk, but Riffle said the
workers recently saved
thousands of dollars
annually by figuring out
that they could buy the
ingredients and make
some items, such as chili
and beef stew, cheaper
than the pre-made items.
MCAG has been serving seniors for the past
50 years with not only
nutrition, but also transportation and in-home
care.
Anyone wanting additional information on
any of the programs, or
wishing to make a donation, can reach Riffle at
304-675-2369.
Mindy Kearns is a freelance writer
for Ohio Valley Publishing who
lives in Mason County.
By Lorna Hart
[email protected]
POMEROY, Ohio
— The Meigs County
Retired Teachers Association got a special
treat when Meigs High
School drama students
entertained the group
during their March luncheon.
The enthusiastic cast
members of the musical “Grease” were only
limited by the space in
which they were given
to perform.
The group looked as
if they just stepped out
of 1959, and the vibrant
performance of “Summer Nights,” as well as
several other selections,
was met with applause.
“Grease” is directed by
Amy Perrin, Meigs High
School English teacher
and drama adviser. The
show was presented at
the school gymnasium
April 8-9.
Gay Perrin, vice president of the retired teachers association, opened
the luncheon by welcoming all in attendance.
Since the meeting was
held on St. Patrick’s Day,
many festive members
were dressed in green.
Charlene Rutherford
read “Come Closer”
and the “Iris Prayer” for
devotions and gave a
prayer before lunch.
During the business
meeting, the secretary’s and treasurer’s
reports were given and
approved, though it was
also noted that some
members had not paid
their dues. Cards were
signed for John Riebel
Sr., Ina Meadows and
Jo Ann Hays. Perrin
reminded the group
to continue to keep a
record of their volunteer
hours for end of the year
submission.
Scholarship committee
members Charlene Rutherford and Becky Zurcher reported on a scholarship given to Timothy
Warner, and reminded
members that contributions to the funds jar are
always welcomed.
The spring conference
was discussed and a
decision made to forgo
this year’s event because
of the prohibitive distance and increased cost
of attendance.
Johnstown resident
and former president of
District VI Ohio Retired
Teachers Association
Karen Butt served as the
featured speaker.
She spoke on the
importance of dual
membership, which
entails paying dues both
to the local chapter and
state organizations. She
stressed dual membership provides leverage
for ORTA when tackling
legislative issues. A percentage of ORTA’s members have lifetime membership via a one time
payment, and are not a
yearly revenue stream.
New membership dues
are therefore essential
to keep the association
effective.
Butt also shared
that ORTA’s quarterly
magazines “will be going
online, but for those
without computers, they
will have the choice of
receiving theirs by mail.”
She also endorsed the
creation of a Meigs chapter website.
ORTA has a statewide
project encouraging
chapters to work with
Habitat for Humanity.
“This would raise
community awareness of
our group,” she said.
Since the closest Habitat for Humanity operation is currently in Athens, she suggested ways
the Meigs chapter could
overcome the distance
and perhaps provide
blankets, canned food
and lunches for workers.
Plants were awarded
as door prizes to Bill
Downie and Joyce
Ritchie.
Members are encouraged to bring paper
products and personal
care items for Serenity
House Women’s Shelter
to the next meeting,
scheduled for noon April
21 at the Meigs Senior
Center. Duane Wolfe
and Lenora Leifheit
will present on cancer
awareness and research
programs.
Contact Lorna Hart at 740-9922155 Ext. 2551.
Mom & Dad
always planned ahead.
Their final arrangements
were no different.


With Pre-need Planning,
You make the most important decisions
about Your service So Your Family doesn’t have to.
Contact us today to make an appointment
Anderson McDaniel Funeral Home
Middleport
740-992-5141
Racine
740-949-2300
Adam McDaniel &
James Anderson, Directors
Pomeroy
740-992-5444
60649455
Taking aPPlicaTions
The Maples
HUd subsidized
Taking
efficiency / 1 bedroom
62 years of age or qualifying disability
low income Priority
A
The M
We are excited to announce our new ownership!
HUD Subsidized • E
50 years of ag
All
Low I
Utilities
Formerly Rocksprings Rehabilitation is now
Arbors at Pomeroy.
We have joined a well-established company that has earned a reputation
of being a leader in long term care. We will continue to provide the
outstanding care and services in our community!
Are Paid
740-
S
A Realty
740-992-7022
Managed by
SilverheelS
60649574
Phyllis e. brake, broker
100 Memorial Drive,
E. Pomeroy, Ohio 45769
60649072
Senior Living
Ohio Valley Publishing
Promise
From page 1
That desire to be doing
something to help others and improve their lot
in life, and the promise
made to God as a youth,
keep Mel going.
In 1959, Mel headed
to Chicago to continue
his studies and work at
Cook County Hospital,
now John H. Stroger Jr.
Hospital of Cook County.
Lydia went to Rochester,
Minn., to continue her
nursing studies at Mayo
Clinic.
“I was making $50
a month and it was all
going to pay phone bills,”
Mel said. “Lydia said, ‘It
would be cheaper if we
got married,’ so that’s
what we did.”
Things got a little better for the Simons. Mel,
now a resident, got a pay
raise to $100 and with
Lydia’s $350 a month,
things worked out for the
newlyweds.
It was in Wisconsin
that Mel met Dr. Charles
Holzer, namesake of the
health care system in
Gallia and surrounding
counties. Mel said Dr.
Holzer kept after him
to establish his practice
in southern Ohio, but it
took a little convincing.
“I couldn’t find it on
the map,” Mel said. “I
told him, ‘I see South
Point, but where’s your
city again?’” The couple
laughs now as they recall
how things really got
confusing when Lydia
began telling family and
friends they were moving
to a city on the Potomac
River.
By 1966, Dr. Holzer had been persuasive
enough to convince the
Simons that Gallipolis
was where they needed
to be. Another community for them to adopt and
fulfill the promise.
They became involved
in, and remain part of,
numerous civic activities,
the arts community and
their church. Nothing,
however, comes closer
to fulfilling the promise
than the establishment
of the French 500 Free
Clinic, established in
2009. The clinic has seen
several thousand uninsured patients since then
and remains open. It will
begin seeing patients
again next month.
In addition to being
recognized in the Philippines by having a surgical
ward named after him,
Mel has been recognized
here as well. He was
inducted into the Ohio
Senior Citizens Hall of
Fame, presented with
the Knights of Columbus
Humanitarian Award,
and one Mel said he
prizes most dearly from
the state of Ohio signed
then-state Rep. Clyde
Evans and then-state Sen.
John Carey.
Not known to rest on
their laurels, though, the
Simons said planning for
next year’s mission trip is
already under way.
April 15, 2016
3
Over the years, Mel and Lydia Simon have been joined by friends and family in their efforts to provide
and improve medical care in their native Philippines. In 2001, they were joined by Holzer nurses, from
left, Tanya Cremeens, Pam Dovyak, Claudia Lyons and Janet North. Seated is Remy Simon, sister of
Mel Simon.
Bud Hunt is publisher of the
Sunday Times-Sentinel, Gallipolis
Daily Tribune, The Daily Sentinel
and the Point Pleasasnt Register.
STEPP
MONUMENT CO.
On the first medical mission to the Philippines, the Simons were joined by other couples, all of whom
were welcomed by a prominent banner in town announcing their arrival.
Route 62 North of Point Pleasant
(Camp Conley)
Mon. - Fri. 3 p.m. to 6 p.m
Left over from World War II, Jeeps have found many other uses in the Philippines. This is a Jeep that’s
been extended and repurposed to serve as delivery truck taking supplies to local residents re-settled
as a result of Mount Pinatubo erupting. Several nurses from Gallipolis were on this trip and walked
along behind the truck as it labored up hills. Local nurses on the trip with Mel and Lydia Simon were
Claudia Lyon, Pam Dovyak, Tanya Cremeens and Remy Simon.
CALL: 304-675-6573 or 304-674-1379
60649894
reliable power with
Chain
Reaction!
Chain
Reaction!
options
Whenyou
you put
When
put money
moneyin our
you
started
a chain
in bank,
our bank,
you
started
Chain
Reaction!
We
made
an auto
a reaction.
chain
We
When
you putreaction.
money
in our
made
anAstarted
auto dealer
loan.
loan.
local
bank,
you
a
chainAsold a
local
sold anareceived
car.
reaction.
made
auto
car. dealer
AWe
salesman
a
A commission.
salesman
received
loan.
A local dealer
sold aafamily
His
car.clerk
A salesman
received
a
commission.
His family
bought
groceries.
The
bought groceries.
The
at the
supermarket
got
commission.
His
family
clerk at the supermarket got a paycheck. YOU
a paycheck. YOU made that happen!
boughtthat
groceries.
The clerk at the supermarket got
made
happen!
From America's #1 after market.
Generac brings more choices in affordable power solutions.
aThanks
paycheck. for
YOU putting
made that happen!
Community
First!
Thanks for
for putting
putting Community
Thanks
CommunityFirst!
First!
Power your fun or cover an emergency!
Call today for more information...
Banks Construction Company
60649572
34070 SR #7 ● Pomeroy, Ohio
740-992-5009 ● www.banksconstruction.co
Mention this ad to receive a FREE 7 year extended warranty!
EQUAL HOUSING
ID# 519902
EQUAL HOUSING
ID# 519902
O
HIO VALLEY BANK
OHIO VALLEY BANK
A Better Way To Bank!
A Better Way To Bank!
Membe
FDIC
®
Member
FDIC
60649266
Your #1 Choice for
Home Health Care
• Respiratory Services
Ohio Valley Home Health offers
free evaluations!
For more information contact us at our
Gallia office 740-441-1393
or our Athens office
740-249-4237,
check us out on
Facebook or visit us at
www.ovhh.org
Quality... Confidence... Caring...
• Medical Equipment • Servicing the Residents of Gallia County for Over 34 Years
EVERY TUESDAY, SENIOR CITIZENS
55 YEARS AND OLDER
SAVE AN ADDITIONAL 5%
Ohio: Gallia, Jackson,
Lawrence, Meigs, Athens,
Hocking, and Vinton
West Virginia: Mason County
101 Jackson Pike,
Gallipolis, Ohio
740-446-2206
www.medshoppe.org
60648189
ON THAT DAY’S PURCHASES
(EVEN ON SALE ITEMS!!!)
EASTMAN’S PIGGLY WIGGLY
210 2nd Ave. • 200 2nd St. • 1129 Jackson Pike
60648119
60381747
Ohio Valley Home Health takes
pride in being the only Medicarecertified home health agency
in Gallia County with a 5 star
Quality of Patient Care Star
Rating making us your #1 Choice
for home health care!
We proudly serve the counties
of Gallia, Lawrence, Meigs,
Athens, Hocking, Perry, Morgan,
Washington, Jackson and Vinton
counties in Ohio.
Senior Living
4 April 15, 2016
Clocking out for retirement
Racine bank
employee calls it a
career after 25 years
VFW conducts PTSD outreach
By Dean Wright
[email protected]
By Lorna Hart
[email protected]
Pictured is the HNB loan department. In the front, from left, are
Alisa Smith, Maxine Rose and Sheila Buchanan In back row are
bank President Roma Sayre, Carol Schuler and Shelly Pierce.
SwiSher & LohSe
Pharmacy
CoNVeNieNT LoCATioN
DriVe-ThrU & PiCK UP
Free DeLiVerY
LoYALTY rewArDS ProGrAMS
BiLL PAY AVAiLABLe
7 DAYS A weeK
CALL (740) 992-2955 TO TRANSFER
YOUR PRESCRIPTION TODAY!
60649411
as fortunate, and I wanted
to do something about
that,” she said.
Rose coordinated many
food drives for “Stop
Hunger” and a permanent
receptacle was placed in
the bank’s foyer for food
donations. One of the latest events was “A Cup of
Soup” during lunchtime
at the bank. Everyone was
invited to enjoy a cup of
soup and donate a canned
food item.
“We (HNB) really try
to reach out to the community, and I will continue being a part of this
program after I retire,”
she said.
Rose has also volunteered at Racine’s Party
in the Park, HNB Family
Nights at area basketball
games and the Meigs
County Fair. Not surprisingly, she said what she
will miss most about her
retirement are the people
— those she worked with
as well as the customers.
“I’m going to miss
everyone,” Rose said.
And bank employees
and customers alike said
they will miss Rose, but
in a small community like
Racine, she is certain to
keep in touch.
Contact Lorna Hart at 740-9922155 Ext. 2551.
GALLIPOLIS, Ohio
— Gallipolis Veterans
of Foreign Wars Post
4464 held its first posttraumatic stress disorder outreach in early
April with local vets
appearing with supporting family to share
in fellowship with colleague veterans.
According to Charlie
Huber, VFW member
and commander of
American Legion Post
27, veterans and their
spouses, as well as a
military chaplain and
Woodland Centers
counselors, appeared
to walk with fellow
veterans down the difficult road of reliving
events during tours in
combat. Among those
appearing at the event,
Vietnam War veterans
were represented as
well as individuals who
had engaged in tours
across Afghanistan and
Iraq.
Kevin Mock, Shaniya
Whitehead and other
representatives of
Woodland Centers
spoke with veterans
during the event.
Huber anticipates
more individuals to
appear with time to the
“Circle of Healing,” as
VFW members have
come to call the gathering. Huber said veterans who had appeared
at the event believed
they would return
and recommend the
circle to others facing
similar challenges in
their lives. The circle is
expected to meet every
other Thursday.
“I think last night
everybody was happy,”
Huber said. “We just
want veterans to know
that there is a place for
Courtesy photo
Gallipolis Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4464 sits at 134 Third
Ave. The next “Circle of Healing” event will be 6 p.m. April 7.
(them) to feel comfortable to talk. We encourage (them) to talk
about anything (they)
want. We want people
to know there is a place
with resources if (they)
want to use them.”
Huber told the Tribune the idea of the
outreach program
came about from discussions with fellow
veterans and colleagues
at Woodland Centers.
Huber acts as a maintenance employee with
the nonprofit organization. With the help
of Mock and other
colleagues, both in
the VFW and out, the
outreach program idea
was born.
Huber said Post 4464
was also reaching out
to other veterans’ organizations in an effort to
encourage individuals
to attend the circle.
“‘Nam guys (Vietnam War veterans)
are always go-go-go,”
Huber said. “(Talking
in the circle) we were
picking up things that
make us understand
why we’re doing what
we’re doing. You know,
like the anxiety bit.
Little things can get
us more upset until we
learn to cope.”
Post-traumatic stress
disorder has often been
called “combat neurosis,” or “shell shock,”
in the past. Any
individual having witnessed or experienced
terrifying events can
get PTSD. Veterans are
often some of the most
common individuals
to be diagnosed with
the condition given the
nature of combat scenarios.
Experts suggest the
disorder cannot be
cured and can potentially be with an individual their entire life.
Symptoms can include
flashbacks, nightmares
and anxiety. Psychotherapy as well as
medications have been
used to treat PTSD.
Some Gallipolis VFW
members in the past
have emphasized they
prefer therapy to medications as a treatment
method.
For more information, the post can be
reached at (740) 4464464.
Dean Wright can be reached at
(740) 446-2342, Ext. 2103.
Attention: Denture Sufferers!
You’ve
always
said you
wouldn’t
be caught
dead in
that dress….
Are you tired of:
• loose fitting dentures that are unstable and move at just
the wrong time?
• messy adhesives that don’t really work?
• sore spots because your dentures move around
excessively on your gums?
• chewing or biting difficulties?
Mini Dental Implants may be your
solution!
Mini Dental Implants are significantly less expensive than traditional
implants, and treatment time and healing time are greatly reduced.
These implants are designed to help denture wearers laugh, talk
and live with improved comfort and confidence.
You’d better tell them now!
Act now, so your family can have the peace of mind knowing
that your final arrangements will be planned out according to
your wishes. Contact us for a free consultation.
Please call our 24-hour hotline at (740) 590-7220 to receive a
free report and gift certificate.
Riverwalk Dental
R. Craig Mathews, DDS
Coolville, Ohio
Pomeroy, Ohio
740-667-3110
740-992-2121
Kevin Schwarzel and Mike Putman
Owners
60649459
everyone to be shoveling
snow, clearing sidewalks
and making sure the bank
drive-through was passable. Rose said she could
always get to work first
because she lives nearby
and seldom missed a day
because of the weather.
“In the 1990s, we had
a blizzard, snow was as
high as the stop signs,
everyone was shoveling,”
she said. “A customer
came and plowed our
parking lot, and we were
open for business.”
Rose has had a role in
every department during
her 25 years. She began
as a bookkeeper and
moved to the loan department. Later, she worked
in IT and then as a teller
before returning to the
loan department.
“I’ve worked in many
jobs at the bank and I
enjoyed every department. It gave me a better perspective on bank
operations and how best
we can serve the community,” she said.
HNB’s program, “Stop
Hunger at Home,” started
when Rose said she realized while working in
the community just how
many people are in need.
“We take for granted
that we have food on our
table, but everyone isn’t
530A West Union St.
Athens, Ohio 45701
Call 740-592-1483 or 1-800-923-7329 for appointment
60649555
Gallia County
Council on Aging
The Services listed below are available to our seniors.
Please contact us if we can be of assistance.
HOME CARE SERVICES - Personal Care, Nutrition, Homemaking, Errands,
Medical Appointment Escort. Contact: Catherine Gill
HOME DELIVERED MEALS - Serving All Townships of Gallia County. Frozen
Meals for Weekends, Hot Meals Mon-Fri. Contact: Tina Crews 740-446-7000
SENIOR CENTER MEALS - 12:00 pm Mon-Fri. Contact: Tina Crews 740-446-7000
ADULT DAY SERVICES HOURS: 9:30 am - 2:30 pm Monday-Friday
Clean Safe Environments • Activities Contact: Haley Waugh 740-446-7000
60649074
RACINE, Ohio — As
Maxine Rose completed
her last day as loan clerk
at Home National Bank in
Racine, she was surrounded by bank employees and
customers wishing her
well.
After 25 years, Rose
retired and says she plans
to spend time with her
family that includes two
sons, a daughter, two
grandsons and a “granddog.”
“I’m just going to do
what I want to do,” she
said. “I’ll continue volunteering in the community
and in my church, and of
course, spend time with
my family.”
Rose began her career
at HNB in 1990, before
the bank moved to its
current location 502 Elm
St. in 2010. She recalled
being at the former location in downtown Racine
during snow storms and
floods, and said everyone who worked at the
bank had a “hands-on”
approach in ensuring the
bank was open to customers.
“I remember the flood
of 2002,” she said. “It
was the biggest flood
during the time I worked
at the bank. Everything
was flooded. We waded
through water and
cleaned carpets to get the
bank ready to re-open for
our customers. It was nice
when we moved to our
new location and didn’t
have to worry about
floods anymore.”
Snow storms presented
problems as well, and
she said it was typical for
Ohio Valley Publishing
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES: Shopping, Senior Center Lunch Program,
Senior Center Activities Available Mon-Fri. 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. Contact: Sandra
Ross 740-446-7000
60647972